Evenings on 5th Ave

If you really want to experience the Playa del Carmen nightlife and be where the action is, strolling 5th Avenue is far and away your best bet.

You’ll find everything from upscale restaurants and margarita bars, to live music right on the beach, nightclubs with world-class entertainment… and everything in between.

If you want to start with some live performances just a few blocks from your condo, be sure to check out the Mayan dancers who show off their native rhythms in the park plaza (off Juarez, beside the ferry dock). Their act, complete with feather headdresses, tribal markings and animal-hide loincloths, happens around sunset; from 4-6pm daily.

Walking north on 5th, there are plenty of beautiful restaurants to choose from. Depending upon how hungry you are, you can go with Tres Compañeros for authentic Mexican cuisine with an ocean-view terrace, and Sur steakhouse or Casa del Agua for an elegant night out. If you don’t necessarily want a sit-down meal but would like a few drinks while you catch some live music, Fah (near 10th street), is the spot for you and your crew. Want to be on the water? Another great option down 10th street just off 5th Ave is Zenzi. There’s live music there on the beach almost every night (the reggae cover band is fantastic)!

If you’re a bit on the wilder side, keep cruising down to 12th street, wrapping around to 1st Ave. This is Playa’s club scene, with Coco Bongo leading the pack of all-night entertainment.

A hit with the salsa-dancing crowd is Bodeguita Del Medio, a vibrant Cuban restaurant with a regular live band. The mojitos are fantastic! On your way there (it’s on 36th street), enjoy some shopping and people-watching…it’s always interesting! On Thursday nights there’s even an outdoor art gallery displayed for several blocks along 5th, for your more cultural side.

Take in all the international culture, nightlife, music, food and drink that Playa del Carmen has to offer! Don’t miss strolling 5th Ave at some point on your vacation.